Stopper device for drain outlets



R. RABINOVICH STOPPER DEVICE FOR DRAIN OUTLETS @et 9 i934.

Filed oct. 27 1935 Patented Oct. 9, 1934 f. 11s j claims.

vThepresent invention rlates to improvements irl-stopper devices for drain outlet'sfand hasfor its primary object the {provision-of a 1 novel Ystopper device adapted tojopn automatically when -5 the liquidlevel exceeds `'a''pregiatermir'ledheight.

Other objects are lto provide a new and 'improved stopperdevice of vvthe foregoing 'charac'- ter 'which can also lie-,actuated manually vto -c'ipen the drain outlet, whichfis'siinpleand-ineipensive v`l in construction, and which is sensitive and reliable in operation.

w A further object're'sideslin fthe provi'sio'n o f a novel stra-ineradapted to be positioned 'overy the stopper device without interfering withjthe man- 415 ual or automatic operation "of `the latter. Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the description"proceeds.

1n the accompanying drawing. Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional View, takenjalong 'lin'e 1-1 of `20' 11ig-2 ofa Stopper'deyiceeinbodyihgthe features of my invention.

Figs. 2 and 3 'are' tranL4'fvfe'i' s e sectional views taken respectively 'alonglinesZrZ 'and' '3j-*3 of Fig. 1. Referring more particularly tothe-drawingthe invention residesinan )automatic stopper device Ior closing the waste or drainolitlets of "various kinds of plumbing flxtuie'a jsuch for 'example as bath tubs, washbasl'ns, laundry tubs,snlj s, lava.- tories and other similar receptacles. Thefstopper device is adapted to open the-drain outlet of the receptacle "when the -level 'ofy the *water or liquid therein reaches-apredetermined height, and hence renders unnecessary the over-now w opening which is commonly provided. A"Over-flo'liv openings are undes'iialle'frol'n 'the-standpoint that they become'unsanitarya'nd involve'extra manufacturing 'expense and fdiicultiesf ,"he4

present automatic stopper device `is adapted to 40- occupy either 'a fully closed p'os'itio'n in 'which it seals the drain outlet, fr-a`-fully'fop`eri position in which it permits the liquid to drain completely the dual capacity ofano'ririal plugfor a saLfety" device for preventing-theliquid from`loverilowingv relazioni@ a drain' oline-tion ajwalflflljadapted V to constitute the bottom `of Vany "suitable"recate-' V tacle 'of the foregoing character. -Within the broad'aspects of the"ir'ive'ntim 'the stopper device comprises a diaphragm V"12 fof water impervious resilient ii'l'aterial, such vrubfber, which Vis. formed -with'a-cntralcpenirig r13 (olii-287)', i

adapted tobe closed from the 'underside by. stopper 14, and which isA adaptedtor c1o'se-tli outlet 10 .when"t he' stopper'i's in closedposition. The vdiaphragm 12 is ad'aptedto be mounted I A. anysuitabl'e position in relation to theldrain outlet 10, forexample in a r'drain passage 15 lead-V ing downwardly from'the outlet, so that its upper surfacel is adapted to -be-acted upon through the outlet bythe hydraulic head of whatever liquid may be present in the receptacle. The periph-f eralmarg'inof thecentralopening -13 is adapted toLSnugly and yieldably embrace the periphery of the stopper v1li,and'tointerlock vtherewith Vso as to retain lthe latter in closed position under :a normal conditions. However, when 4the liquid head exceeds the desired'maximum, it acts to deiiect the vdiaphragrr'l 12 downwardly out of its normal athorizon'tal plane, thereby expanding the opening- 13 to rleasethe'stopper14..

The interlocking'engagement between -the dia-,- phragni 12 the stopper 14V 'may' be .-accom v pli'she'd in any suitable fma'nner.. .In' the .present instance, "fthe stopper 14 is, slightly vconical u p-g Wardly, andfis formed adjacent its large endwithA ;,-.f a perlpher'alggen'erally v-shaped groove 16. The 80 inner peripheral margin "of the. opening 13 is formed with an annular inwardly protruding lip 17 adapted when contractedto tightlyengage in the 'groove' 1 6. Rising from the upperv sur-,- face of 'the diaphragm y12 'about the 11p 17, isa. 85' conicalcollar vlfc'onstituting a useat adapted toV receive and peripherally embrace the stopper 14 above the groove 16. Preferably, an inner Vperipheral ange' 19 is formed on the upper end of the collar 18.. Y j 11n the preferred form. of the stopper device. the diaphragnfr12v ismounted in a. fixed hori- Zontal position'within a special self-draining vessel 20 which -del'lnes the drain passage 15. 'I'he upper end portion ofthe vessel 20 extends threu'gh the drainjoutlet lo, and is cared out- .'wardlyf'as indicated at 2 1'to seat againstthe top ffthefwall' V11.1.A nut -22 threadedonto the vessel l2"() and against the underside of. the wall 11 serves 'to hold the Vessel securelyfin position. The-lower endof the vessel -20 is reduced in size for connection fwitha pipeA (not shown).

The diaphragm 12 maybe provided in any suit; ahleshape,I andin thepresent instance is in the' form of a circular disk conforming closely to the 105 interior of the vessel 20,.and having an upstandingouter peripheral run 23.v 'A metal case o r. ring 24 is frcedtightly Valooui'fthe rim l251, and is threaded downwardly lon .the interior of the vessel 2o against an annular flange `5` to support 110 the diaphragm 12 rigidly in position with a tight seal at the outer periphery.

Preferably, a thin metal ring 26 is embedded in the rim 23 to reinforce the outer edge of the diaphragm 12. Similarly, a light metal ring 27 is embedded in the upper end of the collar 18 to retain the shape of the opening 13.

The stopper 14 may be provided in any suitable form adapted to intert with the opening 13. In the present instancethe stopper 14 :comprises .a circular bottom plate 28 adapted to engage against the underside of the diaphragm 12, thereby arresting upward movement of the stoppergan annular concentric wall 29 formed on the top` of the plate within the outerV periphery, 4and anv the stopper 14, and the top of the plate'30'is rounded or globular so that solid matter will not lodge thereon.

' The lower edge surface of the flange 31 fis flaredupwardly and outwardly, and is spaced from the plate 28.` Thus, the plate 28 and the flange 31 define the annular groove 16. To prof vide for adjustment ofthe width and internal diameter of the groove 16, so as to obtain and retain a close t with the lip 17, the end plates 28 and 30 are axially adjustable relatively to each other. Inthe present instance, the sleeve ,31 telescopes slidably with the wall 29, and the end plates 23 Vand'30 are urged apart by a coiled compression spring 32 interposed therebetween. 'Extending axially through the end plates 23 and 30 of the stopper 14 and through the spring 32 is a vertical stem 33. The lower end of the stem 33 is enlarged and square in cross-section to engage the underside of the bottom plate 28, and the upper end is threaded to receive an adjusting nut 34. Positioned cn thestem 33 between the top plate 30 andthe nut 34 is a spacer sleeve 35. It will be evident that by'adjusting the nut 34V and sleeve 35 on the stem 33, :the top plate, 3() will be depressed against the action of thespring 32 to contract the groove 16, or will bepermitted upper end by the underside of the plate 28.

to rise under the influence of the spring'to expand the groove. y Y

The stopper 14 has a fully closed position and 'ai fully openposition, and in use occupies one or the other. Preferably, the open position is dened by a Vertical sleeve 36 which rises from the center of two perpendicular diametrical cross pieces 37 rigidly fixed in the reduced lower end of theves.

sel 20, and which is adapted to be engaged at 'the The sleeve 36 also serves to guide the stopper 14 in its movements, and to this end is made square .incross-section to slidably receive the squared lower end of the stem 33. c

Any suitable means that is conveniently accessible may be provided for adjusting the stopper 14 into closed position. In the present instance, this means consists of the stern 33, the upper end of which isprovided with a hand grip 38 acces.-A sible through the drain outlet -10.

By reason of the square sleeve 136, the nut 34 may be turned on the stem 33 without removing the stopper 14 from the vessel 20. to adjust the stopper for automatic release at various liquid' heights. y Y

Removably positioned in the upper end of thevessel 20 is a` cup shaped strainer. 39, formedwith a large number of small closely spaced apertures -40, which is adapted to permit the free passage of liquid through the drain outlet 10, but not coarse refuse or other solid matter. The upper end of the strainer 39 is flared outwardly, as indicated at 41, to seat against the ared upper end 21 of the vessel 20. The upper end of the stem 33 extends in freely spaced relation through an upstanding sleeve 42 formed integral with the center of the bottom of the strainer 39. Hence, thestem 33 c an be actuated-without removing thefstrainer 39.and the;L strainer can be removed without disturbing the stem or stopper.

Thev 'operation of the stopper device will be evident from the foregoing description, and briefly summarized is as follows: To close the drain outlet. 10lthe` hand grip 38 is lifted to force the stopinthe 'groove 16. The upper edge of the collar '18 and lthe ilange 1,9being stifened bythe metal ring. 27, prevents the stopper 14 from being pulled upwardlythrough the diaphragm 12. The resulting interlock acts to retain the stopper 14 in closed position against'the weight of any normalV amount of. liquid .inthe receptacle. t However, if theV level ,of thefliquid should rise above a predetermined Vmaximum, ,the resulting pressure will ux' the central portion of the diaphragm 12 downwardly, and thereby, expand the lip 17 sufciently to release thefstopper 14. Because of the metal ring 27, theopening 13 enlarges mostly at the bottom. Thereupon, the stopper 14 will be moved automatically into its open position against the sleeve `36. Themaximum permissible liquid level may be varied by adjusting the width of the grooveY 16. Itlwillbe understood that the drain passage 15 can be openedI at any time by manually depressing the stem 3,3.Y

The stopper deviceis reliable yand accurate in operation, and is simple, inexpensive and durable in construction.` The diaphragm 12 is conveniently accessiblethrough the drain outlet 10, and therefore can be easily and quicklylreplaced when desired. While I have illustrated and described one embodiment ofthe invention, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scopev oftheinvention as expressed in the appended claims. N

' I claim as my invention: A

Y 1.'In a stopper device, in combination, a normally 'flat circular resilient diaphragm adapted to be fastenedin a fixed position about its periphery, and having a central portion formed with an opening and. adapted to be iiexed out of the plane of said peripherywhen subjected to pressure, anda stopper. adapted to be removably inserted from oneside of said diaphragm into said opening Vto 1close thelatter, said diaphragm when relaxed tightly and yieldably embracing said stopper to retain said stopper in said opening, and when flexed to a predetermined degree acting to expand said opening to release said stopphragm`when relaxed yieldably embracing said stopper andwhenflexedto a predetermined de-' gree acting to expand s aidopening to release said stopper. Y

3. In a'stQpper device, in-cOmbinatiOn, a resilient diaphragm adaptedjto be fastened in a fixed position about its perimeter, and having a cen- Wardly through said opening for manual lactuatral portion formed with an opening and adapted to be iiexed when subjected to pressure, an an- `nular'sleeve integral with one side of said diaphragm closelyabout vsaid opening, the peripheral per formed with a peripheral groove and adapted to be removably inserted from the otherside ci saiddiaph'ragm intols'aid sleeve with said lip .engaging in said groove. to close said opening, said diaphragm when relaxed tightly embracing said stopper and when i'iexed toward said other side in said open position and for guiding said stop- A"resilient material mounted in said outlet to close to a predetermined degree acting to expand said lip to release said stopper.

4. In a stopper device, in combination, a resilient diaphragm adapted to be fastened in a iixed position about its perimeter, and having a central portion formed with an opening and adapted to be exed when subjected to pressure, and a stopper adapted to be removably inserted into said opening toclose the latter, said diaphragm and said stopper having parts in yieldable interlocking engagement to hold said stopper in said opening, said diaphragm when relaxed tightly embracing said stopper and when flexed to a predetermined degree acting to expand said opening and to disengage said parts to release said stopper.

5. In a stopper device, in combination, a circular resilient diaphragm adapted to be fastened in a fixed position about its outer periphery, and having a central portion formed with an opening and adapted to be exed when. subjected to pressure, an annular sleeve integral with one side of said diaphragm closely about said opening, the peripheral margin of said opening defining an annular lip projecting inwardly from said sleeve, an annular reinforcing member embedded in the 'Vj free end or" said sleeve, and a stopper formed with a peripheral shoulder, and adapted to be removably inserted into said sleeve with said shoulder in interlocking engagement with said lip to close said opening, said diaphragm when relaxed tightly embracing said stopper and when flexed to predetermined degree acting to expand said lip out of engagement with said shoulder to release said stopper for movement out of said sleeve.

6. A stopper device for a drain outlet comprising, in combination, a self draining vessel adapted to open downwardly from said outlet, a diaphragm of resilient material mounted in said vessel to close the passage therethrough and having a central opening formed with an upstand- 'j ing peripheral sleeve and a peripheral lip projecting inwardly from the lower edge of said sleeve, a stopper movable from an open position upwardly into said sleeve to close said opening and having a peripheral groove adapted to receive said lip, means for supporting said stopper per in its vertical movements, and means for raising said stopper into closed position.

7. A stopper device for a drain outlet co-mprising, in combination, a horizontal diaphragm of the passage therethrough and having a central opening formed with an upstanding peripheral sleeve and an annular lip projecting inwardly jfrom the lower edge of said sleeve, a stopper movable from an open position upwardly into said and an axial stem on said stopper extending uption to lift said stopper into closed position.

8. A stopper device for a drain outlet comprising, in combination, a diaphragm oi resilient material mounted in said outlet to close the passage therethrough and having a central opening, a stopper movable from an open position upwardly into said opening, said diaphragm and said stopper having parts movable into yieldable interlocking engagement to hold said stopper in said opening, means for supporting said stopper in said open position, a perforated strainer mounted vin' said outlet over said diaphragm and having an open axial sleeve, and a stem on said stopper extending upwardly through said opening and said sleeve.

9. A stopper device for a downwardly opening drain outlet comprising, in combination, a Valve in said outlet, a strainer removably seated in said outlet above said valve and having an intermediate opening, and a stem for operating said valve, said stem extending upwardly through said openlng.

l0. In a stopper device, in combination, a resilient diaphragm adapted to be fastened in a lixed position about its perimeter, and having a central portion formed with an vopening and adapted to be flexed when subjected to pressure, the inner peripheral margin of said opening defining an annular lip, and a stopper movable into said opening, said stopper having two relatively axially adjustable parts defining an annular groove adapted to interlock with said lip.

11. In a stopper device, in combination, a resilient diaphragm adapted to be fastened in a xed position about its perimeter, and having a central portion formed with an opening and adapted to be flexed when subjected to pressure, the inner peripheral margin of said opening defining an annular' lip, and a stopper movable into said opening, said stopper having two end members with telescoping flanges and dening an annular groove adapted to receive and interlock with said lip, spring means tending to separate said members, and adjustable means for defining the position of said members and the width of said groove.

l2. In a stopper device, a flexible diaphragm oi resilient material adapted to be fastened at its perimeter in av fixed position and having a central portion formed with an opening adapted to receive a stopper, said central portion when relaxed ,being adapted to yieldably embrace said stopper to hold the latter in position, and when iiexed under pressure acting to expand said opening to release said stopper.

13. In a stopper device, a flexible normally flat circular diaphragm or resilient material adapted to be fastened at its periphery in a fixed position and having a central portion formed with an opening, a sleeve integral with one side of said diaphragm, the peripheral margin of said opening deining an annular lip projecting inwardly from said sleeve, said sleeve and lip being adapted to receive a stopper with a shoulder on the latter in interlocking engagement with said lip, said central portion when exed acting to expand said lip to release said stopper.

le, A stopper device for a drain outlet comprising, in combination, a seh draining vessel adapted to open downwardly from said outlet, a diaphragm of resilient material mounted in said vessel to close the passage therethrough and having a central opening, a stopper movable from an open position upwardly into said opening, a

Vroi

into open position when the pressure acting downwardly in said outlet exceeds a predetermined Value.

16. In a stopper devise for a downwardly opening drain outlet in which a Valve with a vertical actuating stem is adapted to be mounted, a perforated cup-shaped strainer adapted to be removably mounted in said outlet over said valve, and having an open central sleeve rising from its bottom wall through which said stem is adapted to extend freely for actuation from above said strainer.

REUBEN RABINOV'LCH. 

